Brahman productivity and profitability on show during feedlot trial

The Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association’s (ABBA) inaugural Feedlot Trial and Carcase Competition has showcased the breed’s ability to perform in feedlot systems, highlighting new opportunities for marketing higher quality Brahman cattle and capturing greater value across the supply chain.

Held in Rockhampton, the competition attracted 381 entries from across Queensland and provided valuable data on how purebred Brahmans perform under commercial feedlot conditions.

Gayndah-based Ahern Brahmans secured the Champion Pen of Steers, also taking home the award for Highest Individual Daily Weight Gain at 2.97kg/day, while placing in the carcase section.

Other leading results included Fern Hills Grazing (Champion Individual Carcase), SE5 Investments (Reserve Champion Pen and Largest Eye Muscle Area, 94cm²), Alan Williams Family Trust (Highest MSA Index), Muan Pastoral (Highest Lean Meat Yield at 61.14%) and Mentmore Grazing (Most Even Pen).

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Cattle were fed for 100 days at Barmount Feedlot and processed at JBS Rockhampton, with scoring based on daily weight gain (26%), eating quality (37%) and carcase yield (37%).

DNA samples were also collected from each entry to validate genetic performance traits for future breeding.

ABBA Senior Vice President Matthew Noakes said the competition proved that Brahmans can deliver on performance benchmarks while creating new marketing pathways.

“The competition demonstrated that there are options for marketing higher quality Brahman cattle,” Mr Noakes said.

“The trial showed the potential for breeders to retain ownership of cattle and custom feed them for 100 days, creating opportunities to capture greater value.”

Mr Noakes said the cattle exceeded expectations, with the top 50% highlighting the clear value difference between generic and higher-end Brahman cattle.

“With the right genetics and growth pathways, straight Brahmans can perform strongly in the feedlot and meet market specifications. The trial provided a controlled environment for producers to benchmark themselves against others within the breed,” he said.

Entries came from as far south as Roma and as far north as Charters Towers, highlighting the breed’s adaptability and its significance for northern producers, where Brahmans dominate the herd.

Mr Noakes said the trial also helped to move the conversation away from discounting, and towards recognising the breed’s proven productivity and profitability.